When it comes to comparing different types of olive oils, it might be tempting to think all oils can’t be that different. However, beneath the surface, you might be surprised to find all the work that goes into ensuring olive oil really is extra virgin and all the benefits you stand to gain from it.
So what’s the difference between regular olive oil and extra virgin olive oil anyway?
The answer can be condensed to one word: process. While regular olive oil is often a blend of cold pressed and processed/impure oils, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is the purest quality olive oil available and is made from cold pressed olives. The process for making EVOO is much more laborious, too. First, olives are ground to a paste, then they are pressed to extract the oil. Importantly, no chemicals or heat are used to speed up the extraction process, causing the resulting oil to have a richer color, flavor, and aroma.¹
For olive oil to be formally certified as extra virgin, it must also undergo regulated chemical and sensory testing. Chemical tests are used to check for purity. Smell and taste tests are conducted to ensure there are no defects of aroma or flavor. ² In the end, many olive oils can claim to be extra virgin, but few brands actually make the grade or go through the extra effort to make sure their product is pure and authentic.
Why should I care if an olive oil is extra virgin?
The benefits of EVOO are in the taste (a richer, bolder flavor) and in the resulting health benefits of using a product that is more pure and natural. EVOO is rich in: disease-fighting antioxidants (which help fight inflammation and chronic disease), heart healthy fats, and vitamins (such as vitamin E and K).³
Considering all the benefits, it’s easy to see why people make such a fuss when it comes to EVOO. To read more about the steps aficio22 has taken to make sure our oil is Certified by the California Council, click here. And to shop our complete collection of EVOO, visit our store.